Re: Funky gas and temp gauges

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"Ric" <rlb1@domain.elided> wrote:
>
> I have a 1991 E30 318is and I am havign funky gauge problems.
>
> Fuel gauge will swing to full and stay.  If I tap on the housing
> it drops to where it should be.  Seems to get better once the car
> gets closer to empty.
>
> Temp gauge will seem to rise above half way.  Again if I tap on
> it it drops right to about normal.
> Also will stick down and not move off the peg unless I tap it.
>
> I don't think it is senders.
>
> Do these get weird like this eventually.  Maybe a lttle
> disassembly and some electrical contact cleaner???
>
> Thanks for all the help both now and in the past.

Ric,
E30 instrument clusters recycle the temp/fuel gauges' mounting nuts to the
cluster as ground connectors. They rattle loose and oxidize with time and
eventually lead to an intermittent ground and jumpy gauges.
To remedy, take the cluster out (see Bentley for details or just unscrew
everything around the cluster until it comes out) and re-tighten the
mounting nuts for both gauges. That should fix it for a year or two. Repeat
as necessary.

alex f

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